Vuvuzela South Africa

Bafana Bafana vs France in Mangaung, Bloemfontein may be one of the most emotional games in the 2010 World Cup for South Africans.

Bafana Bafana vs France Pay Back Time for 3- Loss in 1998

On 12 June 1998 France beat Bafana Bafana 3 -0 at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille in front of a crowd of 55,077. The France goals were scored by Dugarry 34′,Issa 77′ , and Henry 90′. France went on to win the World Cup that year!

Today, in Bloemfontein at the 45 000 seater Free State Stadium Bafana Bafana believe it is pay back time! And they will do so with flags, vuvuzelas and a Bafana Bafana team that they believe might just still pull it off.

World Cup Group A Clashes

The host nation face a crucial World Cup Group A clash in Bloemfontein later today, where they need to win by more than two goals and hope for a winning result in the group’s other fixture which will be played simultaneously between Mexico and Uruguay at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. Kick off for both matches is 16H00.

The impending early exit of the host nation, and the impact on the World Cup, has been overshadowed in the last days by a French player strike over the expulsion of Nicolas Anelka, who refused to apologise for allegedly swearing at his coach.

Bafana World Cup Performance

Bafana’s performance in the two World Cup matches has not been bad, but it has not been that great either. Holding Mexico to a draw in the excitement and intensity of the opening ceremony at Soccer City was  quite a feat, but the fact is that the South African team  has scored one goal in two outings at the 2010 World Cup. Even more worrying is the fact that the team created very little against Uruguay and looked lost for inspiration. They just seemed to be treading water.

Parreira Criticism

Head Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has received more than a share of criticism for his unimaginative 4-2-3-1 formation, an approach that has become the de facto standard for teams as diverse as Germany and the Netherlands., who have attacking midfields to pull off this formation.

But maybe it is not our formation that is wrong, it is the players. Not that the players are not talented. However, remember, Parreira has only has a few months to work with these boys. It all goes back to grassroots football development.

Five Changes in the Bafana Bafana Team

The Bafana coach announced yesterday that he was going to make five changes to the Bafana Bafana team for the match against France. “I’m going to talk to the players tonight (Monday) and announce my changes tomorrow. I have already had training with the team that should play. In all there will be five (changes) including the two that have been red carded and yellow carded.”

Possible Solutions for Bafana Bafana

I have spoken to many experts and loyal supporters and they all seem to agree that Bafana needs at least two strikers up front. We just do not have the right midfield to play with a single striker.”

Bafana need to play an attacking game, maybe with Bernard Parker coming from the midfield while you have Nomvete and Mphela as outright strikers.

This way you can put France’s defence under pressure and they will start making mistakes

But unless we create chances and opportunities, unless Bafana start playing creatively, we will end up with the situation of two players isolated up front. Just throwing in an extra attacker does not resolve the original problem, which is – creating chances. Bafana could find themselves in a situation where instead of one man isolated up front, there will be two.

Khune and Dikgacoi Out on Suspension

Meanwhile all the players have been declared fit and are available for selection except for goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi who are both serving a one-match suspension

Images by Sbu Ndlovu taken at a Bafana Bafana vs Zimbabwe match at Moses Mabhida Stadium Durban

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Ithumeleng Kune - Red Card Woe

Bafana Bafana vs Uruguay ended in a 0 – 3 to South Americans in an icy cold Pretoria last night with Diego Forlan and his strike partner Luis Suarez emerging as heroes.

When Switzerland beat Spain yesterday afternoon, it should have been a sign that the soccer gods were in an upside down mood. And on a freezing cold night at Loftus Versveld in South Africa’s Capital City, Bafana Bafana were taught a soccer lesson.

Maybe it is just Loftus Versveld. I mean the buys in blue jerseys always win there; or maybe Bafana Bafana had started getting a bit windgat after too many wins against muppets (Ok, Denmark was a REAL win).

Bafana Bafana vs Uruguay

The fact of the matter is that Uruguay ended the game 3-0 up thanks to second-half goals by Diego Forlan and Alvaro Pereira, Forlan having put them 1-0 up in the first half.

The South Americans were on the offensive from the start. And their pressure game paid off when one looks at the score line and the fact that the South Africans played most of the match in their own half.

Ithumeleng Khune’s Red Card

The Ref – well he often looked like he was on the side of Uruguay. I know the red carding of Ithumeleng Khune was technically by “the rulez” but it was so clear that the Bafana stopper has no intent to foul and that the Uruguayan was way offside.

According to soccerladuma.co.za to earn a red card a player must commit a dangerous tackle or a “professional” foul, which is defined as a deliberate foul committed as a last-ditch tactic to prevent an opponent from scoring.

As Khune’s challenge was not a dangerous one, the referee must have judged the ‘keeper to have tripped Suarez in order to prevent him from scoring.

The Kaizer Chiefs stopper was given his marching orders for a last-man challenge on striker Luis Suarez, with the resulting penalty converted by Diego Forlan to put the game out of South Africa’s reach, reports football.365.co.za

Replays have shown that the linesman should have flagged for offside before the foul and Khune said: “I am disappointed, but there is nothing I can do.

When Khune left the field in tears, I wanted to cry with him, because the red card also means that he will have to miss the next game.

They Boyz Weren’t on Good Form

The substitution after Khune’s dismissal was a great time for the coach to take of Teko Modise, but he took off Steven Pienaar (not much of a loss last night).

By putting Kagisho Dikgacoi on in the starting line up with a yellow card already, Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira knew he was taking a chance. The robust Dikgacoi predictably got another yellow and is also out for the next match along with Khune.

AS for the rest of the team – I have seldom seen such a lackluster, unenergetic performance. Pienaar hardly moved; even the very busy Shabalala was quiet, and poor Killer Mhpele, playing all on his own up front against a very physical Uruguayan defense was shut down every time.

Coach Must Make Changes

Maybe Coach CAP is a bit rigid with his team selection and should take out Teko Modise. Modise is really not getting any better. Why not take a chance on old timer, Siyabonga Nomvete? Remember, Nomvete wrote his name into the history books as he scored the goal that gave South Africa their first-ever win in the World Cup finals, against Slovenia in Daegu, South Korea. He also scored a goal against Sweden to help Bafana Bafana beat European opposition for the first time.

It could be a good idea to play Pienaar just for one-half before bringing on Bernard Parker.

Bafana needs Playmakers

Bafana Bafana need  firepower – they need players up front who will keep moving forward- keep the ball in front of them and keep making shots at goal. Nomvete, Parker and Mphela will make things happen.

Hanging out in your own half, kicking the ball to your teammates is no way to win a match.

Confident Uruguay

The more listless Bafana got, the more confident Uruguay became.

Uruguay’s victory over South Africa has completely changed the perspective of Maestro Tabarez’s regarding their future in the competition. A loose victory 3-0 embedded the players with a new spirit that will be determinant to face their Mexican brothers next week.

As I said in the preview to Bafana Bafana vs Uruguay: “For Uruguay, the key player is Diego Forlan, as the Atletico Madrid star remains their most dangerous striker and the focal point of their attack. If he’s on his game, then it could be a rough time for Bafana Bafana.”

“Sure there are stronger teams than us, but I’m confident we can beat anyone,” declared the Uruguayan coach after the triumph. Uruguay gained not only in numbers, but also in attitude. On minute 75 Luis Suarez managed to get through Bafana’s defense.

France vs Mexico – Let’s hope for a Draw

If France and Mexico end their game in a draw, then all Tabarez’s squad will need is one point to secure their future in the competition. Positioning Diego Forlan as the architect of Uruguay’s creation was a right call by Maestro Tabarez.

Image: Ithumeleng Khune football365.co.za

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A victory for either South Africa or Uruguay this evening at Loftus Versveld in Tshwane (Pretoria) will certainly go a long way to booking a place in the Round of 16.

All four teams are tied for first place in Group A with one point apiece, so the race for the top two spots (and the berths in the next round that go with them) are up for grabs.

Bafana Bafana vs Uruguay – Make or Break Game

We know that a team needs five points to clinch a second-round spot. If that is true, this is a make-or-break game that neither South Africa nor Uruguay can afford to lose.

A victory would propel one nation into first place in Group A with one game to go and put them on course to the round of 16.

Parreira Will Make Some Changes to Line-up

Bafana Bafana head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira admits that he may make a couple of changes to his line-up for the clash with Uruguay.

Lucas Thwala was substituted at half time of the opening match against Mexico and many expect Parreira to start with Tsepo Masilela at left back. (Careful – he has a yellow card).

Although Bafana Bafana may be riding a wave of optimism inside the host country, Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira’s South Africa will face a tough task against Uruguay who showed that they possess the ability to contain teams and launch dangerous counter-attacks in their opening game against France.

Uruguay Coach Oscar Tabarez

Uruguay may be regretting playing such a defensive game against a rather feeble France, but Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has hinted that against South Africa they will be more adventurous compared to that safety-first approach.
Uruguay have been preparing in Kimberley, a town famous for the surrounding gold mines, but it is goals that Uruguay want after their stalemate with France hence Tabarez’s decision to go with an extra striker in Edinson Cavani.

For Uruguay, the key player is Diego Forlan, as the Atletico Madrid star remains their most dangerous striker and the focal point of their attack. If he’s on his game, then it could be a rough time for Bafana Bafana.

Captain Aaron Mokoena – 16 June Youth Day

The clash takes place on a day when it’s a public holiday in South African in remembrance of Soweto uprising or Soweto riots. This day is called Youth Day, and is named like that following a series of clashes in Soweto on June 16, 1976 between black youths and the then South African authorities.

“The match will be played on a special day for South Africa – Youth Day – and it will be very good to win on the day. This is a day which all South Africans remember and playing this match on this day means a lot to us as players and some of us would not have been here were it not for the sacrifices of many who came before us. As for Uruguay, they are very experienced side, they defend very well and have fantastic two strikers among them Diego Forlan who is full of confidence. But we have done our homework, and we are looking forward to the game,” said captain Aaron Mokoena on the safa website.

Killer Mphela

The South Africans who had the upper hand in their match against Mexico were overwhelmed by nerves and high expectations, because they has some very close shots at goal, especially the last one from Killer Mphela who watching in agony as his shot shaved the upright.

Bafana Bafana will be wanting to build on the confidence they gained from the draw against Mexico in their first World Cup Match.

Group A Still Wide Open

Competition in Group A is still wide open after both matches last week ended in ties, so South Africa and Uruguay will approach their game in Pretoria with a sense of intent. Bafana know that is is the match they need to win.

Least we forget, Carlos Alberto Parreira is on a 17 games unbeaten run, and you just don’t oppose that kind of run until it is officially ended.

Uruguay and South Africa have met twice before with the South Americans winning one match and the other ending in a draw.

More Complaints – Vuvuzela, Jabulani and now Altitude

According to website breakingfootballnews, the Jabulani has been criticized but Germany players who have trained with it for six months showed little side effects as they beat Australia 4-0 in their opening game, while the latest complain over the tournament being staged in South Africa has been the high altitude venues which players are claiming to be unplayable.

Suspension Watch  for Bafana Bafana vs Uruguay – Yellow Cards

Kagisho Dikgacoi and Tsepo Masilela earned yellow cards in South Africa’s previous match. If either one of them receive a yellow card against Uruguay, they will be suspended for South Africa’s final game of the group stage.
Diego Lugano and Mauricio Victorino are in a similar predicament for Uruguay. Also, Nicolas Lodeiro is suspended for Uruguay against South Africa.

Day 6 – 2010 World Cup Matches

Honduras vs. Chile – 15 Jun 1:30pm (local time GMT+2)
Spain vs. Switzerland – 15 Jun 4:00pm (local time GMT+2)
South Africa vs. Uruguay – 16 Jun 8:30pm (local time GMT+2)

If you are going to any of the matches you’ll want to know what FIFA expects from you, so have a look at the Stadium Behaviour article and read how to take care of Vuvuzela lips.

If you’re not going to the match, you can download the iVuvuzela for iPhone and blow it at home or come and tweet with us @uvuvuzela

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I have waited a long time to write this Bafana Bafana vs Mexico Preview.

I don’t think the even six months ago I could have dreamed that I’d be writing this South Africa vs Mexico preview with such a positive heart. Bafana Bafana has grown immensely in the past few months – they really look like a TEAM now, not a bunch of boys with talent and no direction. And I believe the Boys are the fittest of any of the teams at the Finals.

So we know that Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has given the Boys the Vision; the has made them believe in the Dream and now we will see what we never thought would be possible – a team of mainly locally based players taking on the best in the world.

History that Bafana Bafana Must Face

Bafana has to face a big history when they step onto the Soccer City pitch at four this afternoon – host nations have never lost an opener, and have made it to at least the second round of each World Cup. Six Host nations have become the world champions on their own soil.

South Africa, has never even reached the second round, not to mention that they failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, and are also ranked lowest out of the 32 teams in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Coach CAP Confirms Unchanged Bafana Line-up

Carlos Alberto Parreira has confirmed that he will select an unchanged line-up for Bafana Bafana’s opening World Cup clash.

The hosts will face Mexico with the same side that toppled Denmark 1-0, with Lucas Thwala remaining at left back after some impressive displays.

Tsepo Masilela was expected to resume his duties on that flank following an injury, but the Orlando Pirates defender seized his chance and will start the game at Soccer City.

Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Kagisho Dikgacoi continue as the holding midfielders, with Steven Pienaar once again supporting Katlego Mphela in an advanced role.

MacBeth Sibaya – We can Stop Mexico

On soccerladuma Bafana Bafana midfielder MacBeth Sibaya believes that if the team can stop the movement of the Mexican players in the midfield half the work will be done.” Once we can control the midfield, we will be assured of a win on the day. We have to close them down in all angles and they will have no space to move forward. They play well in the midfield where they create chances for their strikers. Therefore, what we have to do is stop them in their tracks in the midfield and move up front with the ball. The battle will be won the in middle of the park,” Sibaya said.

The Russia-based midfielder says Bafana Bafana need to be strong and not give their opponents space at all.

Captain Aaron Mokoena Bafana has Respect for Mexico

On kickoff .com Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena has made it clear that Bafana Bafana have respect for Mexico, but that they will make life very difficult for El Tri in the opening Bafana Bafana vs Mexico game of the 2010 World Cup.

“We have played against Colombia in this stadium and have a feeling of how it will be in the stadium. We are looking forward to tomorrow’s game. We want to be relaxed but not too relaxed. It is most important to enjoy it,” said Mokoena in the pre-match press conference.

“The Confederations Cup is different to the World Cup. We respect Mexico but it is important to give our all. We need tomorrow’s game badly and we will make it difficult for Mexico.

“Carlos Vela is a fantastic player but it is not about individuals. They play three up front and are quick, intelligent players. It is important that we analyze how they play.

“Tomorrow is about us and about what we want. The moment of truth has arrived. There has been a lot of talk, but now it is about taking the pitch and making the country proud.

Mexico More Rounded Team

In many ways, Mexico seems to be the more well rounded team. Entering their fifth straight World Cup in 2010 a re-energised Mexico team has emerged from a dismal run with former coach Sven Goran- Eriksson. But with coach Javier Aguirre bringing Cuauhtemoc Blanco out of international retirement midway through the qualifying campaign, El Tri set a different tone, bringing calm and experience to the squad.

Once the undisputed kings of CONCACAF, Mexico has played a lesser role in recent years to their bitter rivals in the north, the USA.

The Mexicans are technically gifted and can move fast, but their defense is not too great. They foul early and often. They also do not travel well – Mexico plays best in Mexico.

Danger players – Carlos Vera and Giovani dos Santos

Mexico International Friendlies

In recent international friendlies, Mexico lost 3-1 to England and 2-1 to the Netherlands, but bounced back to win against Gambia and Italy, 5-1 and 2-1 respectively and will be using that as momentum in this opening World Cup match.

The Bafana Team: Bafana Bafana v Mexico: Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa, Lucas Thwala, Bongani Khumalo, Aaron Mokoena, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Teko Modise, Steven Pienaar, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Katlego Mphela

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Bafana Bafana vs Denmark did prove the toughest test for Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira’s boys, but they came through with flying colours winning the encounter by one goal.

Score: Bafana 1 Denmark 0. Now if that is not punching above your weight and landing a knockout blow, then I don’t know!

Bafana – Unbeaten 12 Matches

Bafana Bafana stretched their unbeaten run to 12 matches after a 1-0 win over Denmark at Atteridgeville on Saturday afternoon.

YeYe and Killer Bring it Home

A fine through-ball from Reneilwe YeYe Letsholonyane and a cool finish from Katlego Killer Mphela saw Bafana run out winners and ready for the World Cup come June 11th.

Teko Modise and Siphiwe Tshabalala drove the South Africans forward for most of the first half. And although Stevie P didn’t have his usual brilliant game, he certainly had nothing to be ashamed of.

Denmark had the better start to the second half and put the South African defense under pressure at the start. But despite all the hard work, they could only muster a deflected shot, which was easily dealt with by Itumeleng Khune, whose safe hands were in just the right place when Bafana slacked off a bit just before the final whistle.

Read the whole match report of South Africa vs Denmark on football 365.com

South Africa vs Denmark – Man of the Match Reneilwe YeYe Letsholonyane

Bafana Bafana midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane (YeYe) dedicated his Man-of-the-Match award against Denmark to the rest of the national team camp. This humble guy from Kaizer Chiefs played like he was on fire. He is another playa that is getting better with each game. Yeye’s pass for Mphela’s winner dissected the Danish defense brilliantly and the former Jomo Cosmos man admits that it was instinctive.

He added: “I expected him to get there because I know he has got pace. When I saw him making that run I just played the ball.”

Steven Pienaar 50th Cap for Bafana Bafana

Steven Pienaar earned his 50th cap for the national team when he ran onto the park for the South Africa vs Denmark match in Tshwane yesterday. The Everton Midfielder said after the match: “I am really proud to have played my 50th game and now I am looking forward to the World Cup, the first game (against Mexico).

“I also hope to play more games for Bafana (in the future).”

Bafana Bafana played some great football during the victory in Tshwane and Pienaar believes it is down to the squad following head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira’s tactics to a tee.

“I think the team played really well. We were organised and followed the coach’s instructions,” he continued.

Image: Killer Mphela football 365.com

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